Bioaugmentation

Bioaugmentation for Industrial Biological Wastewater Treatment

Bioaugmentation is the addition of concentrated beneficial microorganisms to a biological wastewater treatment system to improve or restore performance. In industrial applications, these products are most commonly supplied as dry, shelf-stable powders or granules containing dormant bacteria that activate when introduced to water. No refrigeration required — they can be inventoried and dosed as needed.

Biological treatment systems are resilient under stable conditions but vulnerable to toxic shock events, seasonal loading swings, startup after shutdown, nitrification loss, and difficult-to-degrade compounds like fats, oils, and greases. Bioaugmentation addresses these situations by supplementing the native microbial population with organisms specifically selected for the target conditions — whether that’s BOD reduction, ammonia removal, FOG degradation, or anaerobic digestion support.

Product performance depends on more than cell count. Species selection, proper rehydration, adequate nutrients, and the absence of chlorine or biocides in the receiving basin all affect whether added bacteria establish and contribute to treatment. Results are measured over weeks, not days.

Read the full technical guide in our Knowledge Center